Speech Processor Cases

ABSTRACT

Apparatus and methods for converting one type of speech processor unit into another type of speech processor unit.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No.12/607,427, filed Oct. 28, 2009, which is a divisional of U.S.application Ser. No. 11/121,700, filed May 4, 2005, now U.S. Pat. No.7,630,772, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 60/568,450, filed May 5, 2004.

This application is also a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser.No. 11/121,756, filed May 4, 2005, which claims the benefit of U.S.Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/568,450, filed May 5, 2004.

Each application listed above is incorporated herein by reference in itsentirety.

BACKGROUND 1. Field

The present inventions relate generally to speech processors (alsocommonly referred to as “sound processors”) such as, for example, thespeech processors in implantable cochlear stimulation (or “ICS”)systems.

2. Description of the Related Art

ICS systems are used to help the profoundly deaf perceive a sensation ofsound by directly exciting the intact auditory nerve with controlledimpulses of electrical current. Ambient sound pressure waves are pickedup by an externally worn microphone and converted to electrical signals.The electrical signals, in turn, are processed by a speech processor,converted to a pulse sequence having varying pulse widths and/oramplitudes, and transmitted to an implanted receiver circuit of the ICSsystem. The implanted receiver circuit is connected to an implantableelectrode array that has been inserted into the cochlea of the innerear, and electrical stimulation current is applied to varying electrodecombinations to create a perception of sound. A representative ICSsystem is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,824,022, which is entitled“Cochlear Stimulation System Employing Behind-The-Ear Speech ProcessorWith Remote Control” and incorporated herein by reference in itsentirety.

As alluded to above, ICS systems typically include an implantabledevice, a speech processor unit, a microphone that is in communicationwith the speech processor unit, and a headpiece that is in communicationwith both the speech processor unit and the implantable device. In onetype of ICS system, the speech processor unit is worn behind the earand, accordingly, this type of speech processor unit is often referredto as a behind-the-ear speech processor unit (or “BTE unit”). The BTEunit is typically secured to the user with a removable ear hook and, inmany cases, a microphone is carried by the ear hook. An on-boardmicrophone is also carried by the BTE unit itself. Another type ofspeech processor unit is the body worn speech processor unit (or “bodyworn unit”). The body worn unit, which is larger and heavier than a BTEunit, is typically worn on the user's belt or carried in the user'spocket. The body worn unit will typically have a larger battery and alarger control interface with greater functionality than that found on aBTE unit. Microphones used in combination with body worn units are oftenincorporated into the headpiece.

The present inventors have determined that conventional ICS systems aresusceptible to improvement. For example, body worn units are preferableto BTE units in the case of infants and toddlers. BTE units tend to betoo big for infants, and toddlers tend to remove and/or damage BTEunits. Body worn units, on the other hand, can be attached to a harnessthat positions the speech processor unit on the infant or toddler'sback, where it is difficult for the infant or toddler to reach. A BTEunit may, however, be more suitable once the child reaches an age (e.g.5 years) at which he or she is less likely to damage the speechprocessor unit. Parents must then purchase a second speech processorunit, which is quite expensive. Even in those instances where insurancecoverage or government subsidy (collectively “insurance”) provides fortwo speech processor units, and the parents elect to receive a BTE unitin addition to the body worn unit, the body worn unit may be of limitedutility once the child is old enough to switch to a BTE unit. Moreover,if the BTE unit is lost or damaged, the child will be forced to switchback to a body worn unit because there is no spare BTE unit.

The present inventors have also determined that adults face similarobstacles with respect to BTE units and body worn units. For example,many adults prefer the smaller BTE units for most everyday activities,but prefer body worn units for sports and other activities for which anear hook mounted BTE unit is simply unsuitable. Here too, the user isfaced with a choice—elect to obtain a BTE unit or a body worn unitthrough insurance and, if possible, purchase the other type of speechprocessor unit. Moreover, even in those instances where insuranceprovides for two speech processor units, the user will not have a spareBTE unit if he or she elects to obtain one of each. Users are alsoforced to carry both speech processor units with them if they intend toswitch from the BTE unit to the body worn unit and back withoutreturning home.

SUMMARY

A speech processor case in accordance with a present invention includesa housing with a speech processor storage area, a first housingheadpiece connector configured to be connected to the speech processorunit headpiece connector, and a second housing headpiece connectoroperably connected to the first housing headpiece connector andconfigured to be connected to a headpiece.

A speech processor case in accordance with one embodiment of a presentinvention includes a housing with a speech processor storage area and ahousing power connector associated with the speech processor storagearea and configured to be connected to the speech processor unit powerconnector.

A method in accordance with one implementation of a present inventionincludes the steps of positioning a behind-the-ear speech processor unitin a speech processor case, including at least one of a headpiececonnector and a power connector, and connecting the behind-the-earspeech processor unit to the at least one of a headpiece connector and apower connector.

A method in accordance with one implementation of a present inventionincludes the steps of docking a behind-the-ear speech processor unitwithin a speech processor case and operably connecting thebehind-the-ear speech processor unit to a cochlear implant by way of thespeech processor case.

A case in accordance with one embodiment of a present invention includesa housing with a behind-the-ear sound unit storage area configured toreceive behind-the-ear sound unit and means for mounting thebehind-the-ear sound unit within the storage area.

A case in accordance with one embodiment of a present invention includesa case main portion including a housing with an interior speechprocessor storage area configured to enclose a speech processor unit, aninternal housing headpiece connector configured to be connected to aspeech processor unit headpiece port, and an external housing headpiececonnector operably connected to the internal housing headpiececonnector, configured to be connected to the headpiece cable connector.

A case in accordance with one embodiment of a present invention includesa case main portion including a housing with an interior speechprocessor storage area configured to enclose the speech processor unit,a power supply, an internal power connector operably connected to thepower supply.

A system in accordance with one embodiment of a present inventionincludes a BTE unit and a BTE storage case. The BTE storage case mayinclude a housing, a BTE storage area within the BTE storage case, acase power supply, an external control panel and means for electricallyconnecting the power supply and the external control panel to the BTEunit.

Such cases and methods are advantageous for a variety of reasons. Forexample, the cases and methods allow the users of BTE units to enjoy thebenefits of body worn units as well as a BTE unit without the expenseassociated with obtaining two speech processor units. More specifically,the present cases and methods allow a BTE unit to be converted into abody worn unit by simply placing the BTE unit into the case. While theBTE unit is safely stored within the case, apparatus that isconventionally connected directly to a BTE unit, such as a headpiece ora power supply, may instead be connected to the BTE unit by way of theconnectors (or other instrumentalities) associated with the case. Othercases in accordance with the present inventions allow a headpiece to bedirectly coupled to a BTE unit. In either case, parents of infants andtoddlers, as well as adults who enjoy switching from a BTE unit to abody worn unit and back, can obtain a BTE unit and a case instead of theconsiderably more expensive combination of a BTE unit and a body wornunit without any reduction in functionality.

The above described and many other features of the present inventionswill become apparent as the inventions become better understood byreference to the following detailed description when considered inconjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Detailed descriptions of exemplary embodiments of the inventions will bemade with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a conventional BTE unit and associatedstructures.

FIG. 2 is functional block diagram of an ICS system including theconventional BTE unit illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of a speech processor case, aheadpiece and an auxiliary device in accordance with one embodiment of apresent invention.

FIG. 3A is a flow chart illustrating a method in accordance with oneembodiment of a present invention.

FIG. 4 is perspective view of a speech processor case in accordance withone embodiment of a present invention in a closed orientation.

FIG. 5 is perspective view of the speech processor case illustrated inFIG. 4 in an open orientation.

FIG. 6 is an exploded view of the speech processor case illustrated inFIG. 4.

FIG. 7 is perspective view of a speech processor case in accordance withone embodiment of a present invention in a closed orientation.

FIG. 8 is perspective view of the speech processor case illustrated inFIG. 7 in an open orientation.

FIG. 9 is perspective view of the speech processor case illustrated inFIG. 7 with the power supply cover in an open orientation.

FIG. 10 is an exploded view of the speech processor case illustrated inFIG. 7.

FIG. 11 is side view of a speech processor case in accordance with oneembodiment of a present invention in a closed orientation.

FIG. 12 is perspective view of the speech processor case illustrated inFIG. 11 in an open orientation.

FIG. 13 is an exploded view of the speech processor case illustrated inFIG. 11.

FIG. 14 is perspective view of a speech processor case in accordancewith one embodiment of a present invention in a closed orientation.

FIG. 15 is perspective view of the speech processor case illustrated inFIG. 14 in an open orientation.

FIG. 16 is an exploded view of the speech processor case illustrated inFIG. 14.

FIG. 17 is a plan view of a speech processor case in accordance with oneembodiment of a present invention in an open orientation.

FIG. 18 is an end view of the speech processor case illustrated in FIG.17 in a closed orientation.

FIG. 19 is a side view of the speech processor case illustrated in FIG.17 in a closed orientation.

FIG. 20 is a cutaway view of the speech processor case illustrated inFIG. 17 in a closed orientation with a speech processor unit therein.

FIG. 21 is a cutaway view of a speech processor case in accordance withone embodiment of a present invention in a closed orientation with aspeech processor unit therein.

FIG. 22 is a side view of a speech processor case in accordance with oneembodiment of a present invention in an open orientation.

FIG. 23 is a side view of the speech processor case illustrated in FIG.22 in a closed orientation.

FIG. 24 is a side view of the speech processor case illustrated in FIG.22 in a closed orientation with a speech processor unit therein.

FIG. 25 is a diagram of a cochlear implant system including a speechprocessor case in accordance with one embodiment of a present inventionand other aspects of the system.

FIG. 26 is a front view of a speech processor case in accordance withone embodiment of a present invention.

FIG. 27 is a front, partial section view of a speech processor and aspeech processor case in accordance with one embodiment of a presentinvention.

FIG. 28 is a front, cutaway view of a speech processor and a speechprocessor case in accordance with one embodiment of a present invention.

FIG. 29 is a rear, cutaway view of a speech processor and a speechprocessor case in accordance with one embodiment of a present invention.

FIG. 30 is a functional block diagram of a speech processor and a speechprocessor case in accordance with one embodiment of a present invention.

FIG. 31 is a front view of an exemplary implementation of the speechprocessor case illustrated in FIG. 30.

FIG. 32 is a side view of the speech processor case illustrated in FIG.31.

FIG. 33 is an exploded side view of the speech processor caseillustrated in FIG. 31.

FIG. 34 is a top view of the power portion of the speech processor caseillustrated in FIG. 31.

FIG. 35 is a bottom view of the main portion of the speech processorcase illustrated in FIG. 31.

FIG. 36 is a bottom view of the control portion of the speech processorcase illustrated in FIG. 31.

FIG. 37 is a top view of the main portion of the speech processor caseillustrated in FIG. 31.

FIG. 38 is a partial side view of the speech processor case illustratedin FIG. 31 with the control portion removed and replaced by a cover.

FIG. 39 is a front view of the speech processor case illustrated in FIG.31 in an open state.

FIG. 40 is a section view of a headpiece connector that may be employedin the speech processor case illustrated in FIG. 31.

FIG. 41 is an exploded view on an exemplary speech processor and speechprocessor power supply.

FIG. 42 is a plan view of the power/data connector of the exemplaryspeech processor illustrated in FIG. 41.

FIG. 43 is a plan view of the power/data connector of the exemplaryspeech processor case illustrated in FIG. 31.

FIGS. 44-46 are front views showing the docking of the speech processorillustrated in FIG. 41 within the speech processor case illustrated inFIG. 31.

FIG. 47 is a front view of a speech processor case in accordance withone embodiment of a present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

The following is a detailed description of the best presently knownmodes of carrying out the inventions. This description is not to betaken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose ofillustrating the general principles of the inventions. The detaileddescription is organized as follows:

I. Exemplary Speech Processors

II. Exemplary Speech Processor Cases

The section titles and overall organization of the present detaileddescription are for the purpose of convenience only and are not intendedto limit the present inventions.

The present inventions have application in a wide variety of systemsthat provide sound (i.e. either sound or a perception of sound) to thehearing impaired as well as others who require such systems on asituational basis. One example of such a system is an ICS system wherean external speech processor communicates with a cochlear implant and,accordingly, the present inventions are discussed in the context of ICSsystems. The present inventions are not, however, limited to ICS systemsand may be used in combination with other systems for the hearingimpaired that currently exist, or are yet to be developed. For example,the present inventions are applicable to behind-the-ear “hearing aid”units that include digital signal processors.

I. Exemplary Speech Processor Units

One example of a speech processor unit which may be used in combinationwith, or form part of, the present inventions is the conventional BTEunit 100 illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2. The BTE unit 100 includes anexternal housing 101, a speech processor 102 located within the externalhousing, an on-board microphone 104, a headpiece port 106 that allowsthe BTE unit to be connected to a headpiece 108, an ear hook 110, and acontrol panel 112. As used herein, the term “port” represents any andall suitable “male” or “female” electrical and/or electromechanicalconnector or other device which facilitates the communication betweentwo devices. The exemplary control panel 112 includes a volume knob anda program switch. The BTE unit 100 is powered by a removable powersupply 114 and, to that end, the BTE unit includes a power connector 116in addition to a suitable mechanical connector for securing the powersupply to the BTE unit. Suitable power supplies include rechargeable anddisposable batteries or other electrochemical cells. One or more dataconnectors 118 are also provided. Such connectors may be used, forexample, to connect the BTE unit 100 to a clinician's programminginterface (CPI) unit, a clinician's fitting station, and/or otherexternal devices in order to, for example, test and reprogram theoperational parameters of the speech processor 102 and/or transfer a setof stimulation parameters directly to a speech processor unit. Finally,an additional microphone 120 may be mounted on the ear hook 110 and theexemplary BTE unit 100 includes a connector 122 for the ear hookmicrophone and/or an auxiliary device such as a mobile phone or a musicplayer. The BTE unit 100 can be programmed to process sounds received byway of the on-board microphone 104, the ear hook microphone/auxiliarydevice connector 122, or some blend of the two.

During use, ambient sound pressure waves picked up by the on-boardmicrophone 104, the ear hook microphone 120, and/or received from anauxiliary device are converted into electrical signals. The electricalsignals are then processed by the speech processor 102, converted into apulse sequence having varying pulse widths and/or amplitudes, andtransmitted through the headpiece 108 to a receiver circuit in theimplant 124. The implant 124 also includes an electrode array that isinserted into the cochlea of the inner ear. The electrical stimulationcurrent generated by the implant is applied to varying electrodecombinations to create a perception of sound. The BTE unit 100,headpiece 108 and implant 124 together define an ICS system 126.

Other exemplary BTE units are described below with reference to FIGS.25-47.

Although the present inventions are not limited to any particular BTEunits or ICS systems, commercially available examples of suitable BTEunits include the HIRES™ AURIA™ BTE unit and the HARMONY BTE unit fromAdvanced Bionics, LLC in Valencia, Calif. The present inventions arealso not limited to BTE units that communicate with the implant by wayof a headpiece. For example, BTE units that wirelessly communicate withthe implant (i.e. without a headpiece and associated cable) may also beemployed.

II. Exemplary Speech Processor Cases

FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of a speech processor case (or“case”) 200 with certain components that can be found in speechprocessor cases in accordance with many embodiments of the presentinventions. Such a case may be used to store a conventional speechprocessor unit, such as a BTE unit, in such a manner that the case andBTE unit together form a body worn speech processor unit. Accordingly,the case allows a conventional BTE unit to function as a body worn unitas well as a BTE unit, which is also referred to herein as “converting”a BTE unit into a body worn unit or “docking” a BTE unit within a case.Additionally, although various cases are discussed in combination withthe exemplary BTE unit 100 illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the presentinventions are not limited to any particular behind-the-ear units.

Referring more specifically to FIG. 3, the exemplary speech processorcase 200 includes a housing 202 with a storage area 204 for a BTE unit,such as the BTE unit 100, or other speech processor unit. A plurality ofconnectors are associated with the storage area 204. The storage areaand connectors associated therewith together define a BTE dockingstation. With respect to the connectors themselves, the case 200 isprovided with a microphone/auxiliary device connector 206, which may beconnected to the BTE unit ear hook microphone/auxiliary device connector122, as well as a headpiece connector 208, which may be connected to theBTE headpiece port 106. The case 200 may also be provided with a powersupply receptacle 210 for a power supply 212, such as disposable orrechargeable battery or other electrochemical cell, which may be used topower the BTE unit 100 when it is located within the case. To that end,the case 200 is provided with a power connector 214 that connects thepower supply 212 to the BTE unit power connector 116, typically by wayof electrical contacts associated with the power supply receptacle 210.The power supply 212 may also be used to power those aspects of the case200 that require power. Additionally, in some instances, one or moredata connectors 215 may be provided to couple the case 200 to the BTEunit data connector(s) 118.

The BTE microphone 104 will be located within the speech processor case200 during use. As such, the exemplary case 200 may be used incombination with a headpiece 216 that, in addition to the circuitry 218which communicates with the cochlear implant, also includes a microphone220 that is used to pick up the ambient sound pressure waves. Theheadpiece 216 may be connected to the case microphone/auxiliary deviceconnector 206 (and, therefore, the BTE unit ear hookmicrophone/auxiliary device connector 122) as well as to the headpiececonnector 208 (and, therefore, to the BTE unit headpiece port 106) byway of a headpiece port 222 and a signal splitter/combiner 224. Thesignal splitter/combiner 224 demodulates the RF headpiece signal, whichis modulated by the microphone signal, and also combines audio signalsreceived by way of the headpiece port 222 and the auxiliary device port226. A suitable signal splitter/combiner is the signal splitter/combinerfound in the Platinum Signal Processor body worn unit from AdvancedBionics Corporation. The signal splitter/combiner 224 also allows thesignals to the implant communication circuitry 218 to reach only theheadpiece connector 208, and signals from the headpiece microphone 220to reach only the microphone connector/auxiliary device connector 206.The exemplary case 200 is also provided with an auxiliary device port226 that allows an auxiliary device (e.g. a mobile phone, digital musicplayer or the like) to be connected to the BTE unit 100 by way of themicrophone connector/auxiliary device connector 206 and signalsplitter/combiner 224.

It should also be noted here that the above-described functionality ofthe splitter/combiner may instead be incorporated into the speechprocessor 102 of the BTE unit 100 as well as the speech processors ofother BTE units (such as those described below).

The exemplary speech processor case 200 may also be provided with awireless transceiver 230 such as, for example, an FM transceiver thatallows wirelessly transmitted audio signals to be received by the BTEunit 100. Such transceivers allow students to receive wireless audiosignals from a teacher who wears a wireless transmitter during class.The wireless transceiver 230 also allows the BTE unit 100 to transmitsignals to a remote receiver. Such signals include status signals (e.g.a low battery signal to the teacher) and signals to an implantabledevice in those instances where there is no headpiece and the BTE unittransmits signals directly to the implantable device.

One or more audible, visible and/or otherwise perceptible indicatordevices 232, such as a speaker or buzzer, an LED or other light sourceand/or a vibrator, may also be incorporated into the case 200. Suchindicator devices 232 may be used to provide and audible, visible and/orotherwise perceptible indication as to the status of components of theBTE unit 100 and/or the case 200. Such indications may be provided when,for example, the power supply 212 is almost fully depleted, the BTE unit100 is not properly docked within the case 200, or the headpiece 216 isdislodged.

Turning to FIG. 3A, some of the methods by which the speech processorcases disclosed herein may be used to allow a BTE unit to function as abody worn unit may briefly be summarized as follows. First, in Step S01,the BTE unit is docked within the speech processor case. Next, in StepS02, the cochlear implant is coupled to the BTE unit by way of thespeech processor case. In some instances, Step S02 may be accomplishedin part by connecting a headpiece to the case.

Speech processor cases in accordance with the present inventions may beprovided with additionally functionality. Such functionality isdiscussed below in the context of some of the illustrated embodiments.

The exemplary speech processor case 300 illustrated in FIGS. 4-6 mayinclude some or all of the functional components discussed above in thecontext of FIG. 3 and similar functional components are represented bysimilar reference numerals. Referring first to the housing, theexemplary housing 302 includes a housing base member 340 and a housingcover 342 that is pivotable relative to the housing base member. Thebase member 340 includes a main portion 344, which defines a open region346 for a circuit board 348, and a board cover 350. The circuit board348 carries a case microphone/auxiliary device connector 306, aheadpiece port 322, an auxiliary device port 326, and a signalsplitter/combiner (not shown). The main portion 344 and board cover 350together define four openings. Two of the openings facilitate access tothe headpiece and auxiliary device ports 322 and 326, themicrophone/auxiliary device connector 306 extends through one of theopenings, and a volume control knob 352 extends through the finalopening. The volume control knob 352 may be connected to anamplifier/attenuator on the circuit board 348 or, alternatively, may beconnected to case data connector(s) 215 so that volume may be controlledat the BTE unit 100. A belt loop or clip 354, or other suitable mountingdevice (e.g. a lanyard ring or safety pin), is secured to the exteriorof the main portion 344 and may be used to secure the case to theclothing or body of the user. With respect to power, the housing mainportion 344 includes a power supply receptacle 310 for a battery orother power supply 312 (note FIGS. 5 and 6). The pivotable housing cover342 consists of a U-shaped portion 356 and a flat portion 358 secured tothe U-shaped portion. The U-shaped portion 356 also includes a pair ofopenings, which are aligned with two of the openings defined by the basemember main portion 344 and board cover 350, to further facilitateaccess to the headpiece and auxiliary device ports 322 and 326.

The housing 302 is also provided with a user-changeable skin 360 whichmay be selectively secured to, or removed from, the housing foraesthetic purposes. A typical user would obtain a number of skins andcover the housing with the skin of his/her choice. The skin 360 may beattached to the housing base member main portion 344 and cover flatportion 358 though the use of snaps and other suitableinstrumentalities. Exemplary materials for the skins include fabrics andplastics.

Turning to the manner in which the BTE unit 100 is docked within theexemplary case 300 illustrated in FIGS. 4-6, and connected to thevarious apparatus associated therewith, the case includes a guide rail362 that can slidably receive the BTE unit when the case is in the openorientation illustrated in FIG. 5. As such, the area adjacent to theguide rail 362 defines the BTE storage area 364. The BTE unit 100 isinserted into the case 300 without the power supply 114. To that end,the guide rail 362 also includes a power connector (not shown) that iselectrically connected to the power supply receptacle 310 and ispositioned and configured such that it will mate with the BTE powerconnector 116. Data connectors (not shown), which are associated withthe guide rail 362, may be provided in order to connect to the BTE unitdata connectors 118.

With respect to the connectors that are not carried by the guide rail362 in the exemplary case 300, a slider 366 may be used to connect themicrophone/auxiliary device connector 306 to the BTE unit ear hookmicrophone/auxiliary device connector 122. The slider 366 will be in aretracted state while the BTE unit is inserted into, or removed from,the case 300. A headpiece connector 308, which is connected to the caseheadpiece port 322, may be plugged into the BTE unit headpiece port 106when the BTE unit 100 is in the case 300.

After the connections are made, the BTE unit 100 and case 300 willtogether define a body worn speech processor unit that may, for example,be mounted on an infant harness or the clothing of an adult. A headpiece(such as the headpiece 216 illustrated in FIG. 3) may be connected tothe body worn unit so that the body worn unit can be used inconventional fashion.

Another exemplary speech processor case is generally represented byreference numeral 400 in FIGS. 7-10. Case 400 may include some or all ofthe functional components discussed above in the context of FIGS. 3-6and similar functional components are represented by similar referencenumerals. Referring first to the housing, the exemplary housing 402includes a housing base member 440, a processor cover 442 that isrotatable relative to the base member, and a power supply cover 444. Thebase member 440 is formed by two essentially identical side portions 446a/446 b (FIG. 10) which together define an internal region 447 for acircuit board 448, a power supply receptacle (not shown) and a battery412 or other power supply. The internal region 447 is closed by an uppercover 450, a lower cover 452, and a front cover 453. The circuit board448 carries a case microphone/auxiliary device connector 406, aheadpiece port 422, an auxiliary device port 426, and a signalsplitter/combiner (not shown). The headpiece and auxiliary device ports422 and 426 are accessible through openings in the front cover 453. Abelt loop or clip 454, or other suitable mounting device, is secured tothe exterior of the side portion 446 b and a name plate 455 is securedto the side portion 446 a. The processor cover 442 consists of twoessentially identical side pieces 456 a/456 b that are respectivelyrotatably secured to the base member side portions 446 a/446 b by thebelt loop 454 and name plate 455.

Turning to the manner in which the BTE unit 100 is docked within theexemplary case 400 illustrated in FIGS. 7-10, and connected to thevarious apparatus associated therewith, the case includes a guide rail462 (FIG. 10) that can slidably receive the BTE unit when the processorcover 442 is in the open orientation (FIG. 8). The guide rail 462 ispart of the upper cover 450 and the area between the upper cover and theinner surface of the processor cover 442 defines the BTE storage area464. The BTE unit 100 is inserted into the case 400 without the powersupply 114. To that end, the guide rail 462 also includes a powerconnector (not shown) that is electrically connected to the power supply412 and is positioned and configured such that it will mate with the BTEpower connector 116 and data connectors that will mate with the BTE unitdata connectors 118.

As illustrated for example in FIG. 8, the BTE unit 100 is docked withinthe BTE storage area 464 such that the BTE control panel 112 is readilyaccessible when the processor cover 442 is moved to the openorientation. Additionally, in the illustrated embodiment, the belt loop454 is oriented relative to the housing base member 440 such that theBTE control panel 112 will face upwardly when worn on a belt.

With respect to the connectors that are not carried by the guide rail462 in the exemplary case 400, a cam 466 (FIG. 10) may be used toconnect the microphone/auxiliary device connector 406 to the BTE unitear hook microphone/auxiliary device connector 122. The cam 466, whichis connected to the case microphone/auxiliary device connector 406 andis engaged by the processor cover 442 over the 10-20% portion of theprocessor cover's range of motion that is closest to the fully closedorientation, drives the case microphone/auxiliary device connector ashort distance toward the BTE unit ear hook microphone/auxiliary deviceconnector 122 as the processor cover is closed. The cam 466 also drivesthe case microphone/auxiliary device connector 406 the same shortdistance in the opposite direction as the processor cover 442 is opened.A headpiece connector 408, which is connected to the case headpiece port422, may be plugged into the BTE unit headpiece port 106 after the BTEunit 100 is positioned on the guide rail 462.

The exemplary case 400 is also provided with a wireless transceiver 430,such as an FM module, that is removably mounted within the BTE storagearea 464 and connected to a corresponding port (not shown). The additionof the wireless transceiver 430 will, for example, allow a student toreceive wireless audio signals from a teacher who wears a wirelesstransmitter during class. The wireless transceiver 430 also allows theBTE unit 100 to transmit signals to a remote receiver. Such signalsinclude status signals (e.g. a low battery signal to the teacher) andsignals to an implantable device in those instances where there is noheadpiece and the BTE unit transmits signals directly to the implantabledevice.

The exemplary case 400 may also be configured such that it is childresistant in order to prevent children from obtaining access to the BTEunit 100 and/or the power supply 412. This will typically beaccomplished by including child resistant latching mechanisms (notshown) on the housing base member 440 and processor cover 442 and/orhousing base member and the power supply cover 444. Additionally,although the processor cover 442 may be substantially transparent sothat the user can observe the BTE unit 100, processor covers on casesintended for use with children are preferably opaque (as shown in FIGS.7-10) in order to prevent the child from seeing the BTE unit. In suchinstances, the case will typically include certain audible/visibleindicator devices (discussed above with reference to FIG. 3 and belowwith reference to FIGS. 14-16) so that a parent or teacher will be ableto stay apprised of the status of the BTE unit 100 and battery 412.

After the connections within the case 400 are made, the BTE unit 100 andthe case will together define a body worn speech processor unit thatmay, for example, be mounted on an infant harness or the clothing of anadult. A headpiece (such as the headpiece 216 illustrated in FIG. 3) maybe connected to the body worn unit so that the body worn unit can beused in conventional fashion.

Another exemplary speech processor case, which is generally representedby reference numeral 500 in FIGS. 11-13, may include some or all of thefunctional components discussed above in the context of FIGS. 3-10 andsimilar functional components are represented by similar referencenumerals. Referring first to the housing, the exemplary housing 502includes a BTE support portion 540 and a pair of covers 542 a and 542 bthat are pivotably connected to the BTE support portion by a hinge 543.The BTE support portion 540 encloses a circuit board with a signalsplitter/combiner (not shown), a case microphone/auxiliary deviceconnector (also not shown), and a power supply receptacle 510 for abattery 512 or other suitable power supply. The power supply receptacle510 is closed by a cover 544. The BTE support portion 540 also includesa port 531 for a wireless transceiver 530. The housing cover 542 acarries a headpiece port 522 and an auxiliary device port 326, which areconnected to the circuit board by way of, for example, a ribbon cablethat extends though part of the hinge 543. A belt loop or clip 554, orother suitable mounting device, is secured to the exterior of thehousing cover 542 b.

The BTE unit 100 is docked within the exemplary case 500, and connectedto various apparatus associated therewith, through the use of a guiderail 562 that slidably receives the BTE unit. The area between the guiderail 562 and the inner surfaces of the covers 542 a and 542 b definesthe BTE storage area 564. The BTE unit 100 is inserted into the case 500without the power supply 114 and the guide rail 562 includes a powerconnector (not shown) that is electrically connected to the power supplyreceptacle 510. The power connector is positioned and configured suchthat it will mate with the BTE power connector 116. Data connectors (notshown), which are associated with the guide rail 562, may be provided inorder to connect to the BTE unit data connectors 118.

With respect to the connectors that are not carried by the guide rail562 in the exemplary case 500, a button 566 may be used to connect themicrophone/auxiliary device connector (not shown) to the BTE unit earhook microphone/auxiliary device connector 122. The button 566 ispreferably a spring biased button that alternately connects anddisconnects the case microphone/auxiliary device connector and the BTEunit ear hook microphone/auxiliary device connector 122 when pressed. Aheadpiece connector 508, which is connected to the case headpiece port522, may be plugged into the BTE unit headpiece port 106 when the BTEunit 100 is in the case 500.

After the connections are made, the BTE unit 100 and case 500 willtogether define a body worn speech processor unit that may, for example,be mounted on an infant harness or the clothing of an adult. A headpiece(such as the headpiece 216 illustrated in FIG. 3) may be connected tothe body worn unit so that the body worn unit can be used inconventional fashion.

Still another exemplary speech processor case, which is generallyrepresented by reference numeral 600, is illustrated in FIGS. 14-16.Case 600 may include some or all of the functional components discussedabove in the context of FIGS. 3-13 and similar functional components arerepresented by similar reference numerals. Referring first to thehousing, the exemplary housing 602 includes a base member 640, aprocessor cover 642 that is rotatable relative to the base member, and apower supply cover 644. The housing base member 640 consists primarilyof a center portion 641 and a pair of side portions 643 a/643 b. Thecenter portion 641 defines an internal region 647 for a circuit board648 as well as a power supply receptacle 610 for a battery 612 or otherpower supply. The base member internal region 647 is covered by the sideportions 643 a/643 b. The circuit board 648 carries a headpiece port622, an auxiliary device port 626, and a signal splitter/combiner (notshown). The headpiece and auxiliary device ports 422 and 426 areaccessible through an opening in the center portion 641, which iscovered by a resilient port cover 646. A belt loop or clip 654, or othersuitable mounting device, is secured to the exterior of the side portion643 a and a name plate 655 is secured to the side portion 643 b by amagnet 657. The processor cover 642 is rotatably mounted on housing basemember 640. More specifically, the side portions 643 a/643 b eachinclude a mounting ring 656 (only one visible) and the processor cover642 includes a pair of corresponding apertures 658. The belt clip 654and nameplate 655 hold the processor cover 642 in place.

With respect to the manner by which the BTE unit 100 is docked withinthe exemplary case 600 and connected to the various apparatus associatedtherewith, the case includes a guide rail 662 (FIG. 16) that canslidably receive the BTE unit when the case is in the open orientation(FIG. 15). The guide rail 662 is part of the base member center portion641 and the area between the guide rail and the inner surface of theprocessor cover 642 defines the BTE storage area 664. The BTE unit 100is inserted into the case 600 without the power supply 114 and the guiderail 662 also includes a power connector (not shown) that iselectrically connected to the battery 612 and is positioned andconfigured such that it will mate with the BTE power connector 116 anddata connectors (not shown) that will mate with the BTE unit dataconnectors 118. The case microphone/auxiliary device connector (notshown) is also supported on the base member center portion 641 in such amanner that it will mate with the BTE unit ear hook microphone/auxiliarydevice connector 122. A mechanism such as, for example, a cam similar tothat described above with respect to FIGS. 7-10, may be provided inorder to insure proper connection of the case and ear hookmicrophone/auxiliary device connectors. A headpiece connector 608, whichis connected to the case headpiece port 622, may be plugged into the BTEunit headpiece port 106 after the BTE unit 100 is positioned on theguide rail 662. The exemplary case 600 is also provided with a wirelesstransceiver 630, such as an FM module, that is removably mounted withinthe BTE storage area 664 and connected to a corresponding port 631.

The exemplary case 600 is configured such that the BTE unit 100 isreadily visible to the user. Referring more specifically to FIGS. 14 and15, the belt loop 654 is oriented relative to the housing 602 such thatthe BTE control panel 112 will face upwardly when the case 600 is wornon a belt. The processor cover 642 is also substantially transparent sothat the user can observe the BTE unit 100, its control panel 112 andany visible indicators, when the processor cover is in the closedorientation. The orientation of the BTE unit 100 within the storage area664 also makes it easy to manipulate devices on BTE control panel 112(e.g., the volume knob) when the processor cover 642 is in the openorientation.

Finally, the exemplary speech processor case 600 includes a visibleindicator 632, such as an LED, which may be used to provide the statusof components of the BTE unit 100 and/or the case 600. Such indicationsmay be provided when, for example, the power supply 612 is almost fullydepleted, the BTE unit 100 is not properly docked within the case 600,or the headpiece 216 is dislodged.

After the connections within the case 600 are made, the BTE unit 100 andthe case will together define a body worn speech processor unit thatmay, for example, be mounted on an infant harness or the clothing of anadult. A headpiece (such as the headpiece 216 illustrated in FIG. 3) maybe connected to the body worn unit so that the body worn unit can beused in conventional fashion.

Another exemplary speech processor case is generally represented byreference numeral 700 in FIGS. 17-20. Unlike the cases illustrated inFIGS. 3-16, the exemplary case 700 does not include the various ports,connectors and circuitry described above. Nor does the case 700 includeits own power supply. Instead, the exemplary case 700 allows a headpieceto be directly coupled to the BTE unit 100. Power for the BTE unit 100is supplied by the removable power supply 114.

Referring first to FIGS. 17-19, the case 700 consists of a housing 702and a mounting device 704 that performs the function of securely holdingthe BTE unit 100 within the housing. The housing 702 includes a housingbase member 740 and a housing cover 742 that is pivotable relative tothe base member. In addition to carrying the mounting device 704 and abelt clip 754, the base member 740 includes a cable guide 744 that isdiscussed below with reference to FIG. 20. The housing cover 742consists of a U-shaped portion 756 that is pivotably secured to the basemember 740 by a hinge 750, and a flat portion 758 that is secured to theU-shaped portion. The U-shaped portion 756 includes an opening 780 thatis adjacent to, and in line with, the cable guide 744 when the housingcover 742 is in the closed orientation. The opening 780 may, in someinstances, include a resilient seal (not shown) that conforms to theheadpiece cable when the housing 702 is closed and prevents moisture,dirt and/or dust from entering the housing through the opening. Auser-changeable skin (not shown), such as that discussable withreference to FIGS. 4-6, may also be carried by the housing 702.

The mounting device 704 may be any suitable structure that holds the BTEunit 100 in place and, preferably, does so without blocking the controlpanel 112 so that the user can continue to access the control panelafter the BTE unit is secured by the mounting device. The mountingdevice 704 in the illustrated embodiment includes a plurality ofresilient members 705 a-d (FIGS. 17 and 20) which have inner surfacesthat together define a storage area 764 that corresponds to the shape ofthe exterior surface of the BTE unit 100 and power supply 114. Thestorage area 764 is preferably slightly smaller than the BTE unit 100and power supply 114 so as to create an interference fit when the BTEunit and power supply are mounted therein. Other suitable mountingdevices include, for example, one or more resilient straps or a guiderail. The housing cover 742 may also include a resilient pad 782 that ispositioned and configured such that it will be aligned with the storagearea 764 and engage the BTE unit 100 when the housing 702 is closed. Themounting device 704 may, as another alternative to the resilient members705 a-d, be in the form of a resilient pad that is positioned in such amanner that the BTE unit will be “sandwiched” between the resilient padswhen the housing 702 is closed.

The BTE unit 100 may be connected to a headpiece 216′ and mounted withinthe exemplary case 700 in the manner illustrated in FIG. 20. Theheadpiece 216′ is similar to the headpiece 216 illustrated in FIG. 3 inthat the headpiece 216′ has circuitry that communicates with a cochlearimplant and a microphone that picks up ambient sound pressure waves.Here, however, the headpiece signal is not modulated by the microphonesignal and, instead, the headpiece and microphone signals are carried byseparate wires within a headpiece cable 234. The end of the cable 234opposite the headpiece 216′ splits into two parts. The portion with thewire(s) that carry the headpiece signal is coupled to the BTE unitheadpiece port 106 by a connector 236, while the portion with thewire(s) that carry the microphone signal is coupled to the BTE unit earhook microphone/auxiliary device connector 122 (visible in FIG. 6) by aconnector 238.

It should also be noted that, in those instances where the case 700 isintended to be used with a speech processor that is capable ofwirelessly communicating with the headpiece, the cable guide 744 andopening 780 may be omitted.

The BTE unit 100 and case 700 together define a body worn speechprocessor unit that may, for example, be mounted on an infant harness orthe clothing of an adult. The body worn unit may be assembled bysecuring the BTE unit within the housing 702 with the mounting device704. The headpiece cable 234, which may be connected to the BTE unit 100before or after the BTE unit is secured to the mounting device 704, maythen be positioned in the cable guide 744 so that the cable 234 willextend though the opening 780 to the headpiece 216′ when the cover 742is closed.

As illustrated for example in FIG. 21, the exemplary speech processorcase 700 may also be used in conjunction with a headpiece 216″ that isconnected to the BTE unit 100 by way of the BTE unit data connectors 118(note FIG. 2). The headpiece 216″, which includes a microphone as wellas circuitry that communicates with a cochlear implant, is connected tothe BTE unit 100 by way of a cable 240 and a connector 242. Theheadpiece and microphone signals are carried by separate wires withinthe headpiece cable 240, and the connector 242 couples the wires to theappropriate BTE data connectors 118. With respect to power, theconnector 242 is also configured to couple the power supply 114 to theBTE unit power connector 116 (note FIG. 2).

Another exemplary speech processor case is illustrated in FIGS. 22-24.The speech processor case 800 is similar to the case illustrated inFIGS. 17-20 in that it does not include the ports, connectors andcircuitry described above with reference to FIGS. 3-16. Case 800 is,however, configured to store an on-board power supply that powers theBTE unit 100 in essentially the same manner as the case 600.

The exemplary housing 802 is similar to the housing 602 (FIGS. 14-16) inthat the housing 802 includes a base member 840, a processor cover 842that is rotatable relative to the base member, and a power supply cover844. The base member 840 includes a power supply receptacle (not shown)for a battery or other power supply (not shown). A belt loop or clip854, or other suitable mounting device, is secured to the exterior ofthe housing 802. The case 800 is also provided with a guide rail 862that can slidably receive the BTE unit 100 and securely mount the BTEunit within the case. The area between the guide rail 862 and the innersurface of the processor cover 842 defines the BTE storage area 864(FIG. 23). The guide rail 862 also includes a power connector (notshown) that is electrically connected to the case power supply and ispositioned and configured such that it will mate with the BTE powerconnector 116 (FIG. 2) when the BTE unit 100 is mounted within the case800.

The exemplary case 800 is configured such that the BTE unit 100 isreadily visible to the user. More specifically, the belt loop 854 isoriented relative to the housing 802 such that the BTE control panel 112will face upwardly when the case 800 is worn on a belt. The processorcover 842 is also substantially transparent so that the user can observethe BTE unit 100, its control panel 112 and any visible indicators, whenthe processor cover is in the closed orientation. The orientation of theBTE unit 100 also makes it easy to manipulate devices on BTE controlpanel 112 (e.g., the volume knob) when the processor cover 842 is in theopen orientation.

The BTE unit 100 may be connected to a headpiece 216′ in the mannerdescribed above with reference to FIG. 20. More specifically, thewire(s) in the cable 234 that carry the microphone signal are coupled tothe BTE unit ear hook microphone/auxiliary device connector by aconnector 238, and the wire(s) that carry the headpiece signal arecoupled to the BTE unit headpiece port 106 by a connector 236. The basemember 840 may include a cable slot 845 that allows the processor cover842 to close without damaging the cable 234 (note FIG. 24). A similarslot may alternatively, or in addition, be formed in the processor cover842. However, in those instances where the case 800 is intended to beused with a speech processor that is capable of wirelessly communicatingwith the headpiece, the slot(s) may be omitted.

After the BTE unit 100 is mounted within the case 800, the BTE unit andcase will together define a body worn speech processor unit that may,for example, be mounted on an infant harness or the clothing of anadult.

With respect to materials and dimensions, cases in accordance with thepresent inventions may be formed from any suitable metal or plasticmaterials. The dimensions will typically depend on the dimensions of thespeech processor unit intended to be docked therein. For example, a caseintended for use with BTE units would typically be about 50-100 mm long,about 50-100 mm wide and about 20-30 mm thick. However, the size may beincreased as needed in order to, for example, provide additional casefunctionality.

The speech processor cases described above with reference to FIGS. 3-24may include a wide variety of additional devices that provide additionalfunctionality and/or augment existing functionality. For example, thespeech processor case power supply may be used to charge the BTE unit100 removable power supply 114 while the BTE unit is used in combinationwith the case. This may be accomplished by providing a physicalconnector, either within the case or one the case exterior, or aninductive current connection (e.g., 27 MHz).

Speech processor cases in accordance with the present inventions may beprovided with a circuitry that works in conjunction with the speechprocessor 102 to augment the speech processing functionality of the BTEunit or facilitates operation of the BTE unit within the case. Variousexamples of such cases are summarized in the following paragraphs andare described in detail below with reference to FIGS. 25-29. In someinstances, the case circuitry may be configured to provide the basicfunctions necessary for a patient to hear should the BTE speechprocessor cease normal functioning.

Speech processor cases in accordance with the present inventions mayalso include communications electronics capable of wirelessly ordirectly (through wire, cable, or direct electrical contact) connectingthe BTE unit 100 with external devices in addition to the aforementionedheadpieces and implants. Such communications electronics (e.g., an ITELcommunications microchip) may be used to, for example, establish acommunication link with a clinician's programming interface unit, aclinician's fitting station, and/or other external devices. Accordingly,the communication electronics may facilitate the transfer of informationand/or power to and from the case and the external devices. In thoseinstances where a cable is employed, the cable may be manually wrappedand placed within a cable receptacle within the case. Such a cablereceptacle may, alternatively, include a spring-loaded reel, orequivalent structure, capable of winding and/or retracting the cableinto the case.

Speech processor cases in accordance with the present inventions may beprovided with an antenna coil, or equivalent structure, that thatreceives power through an inductive link from an external source. Thepower received may be used to power the operations of the case and/orcharge the case's on-board power supply.

In addition the to the aforementioned volume control knob, speechprocessor cases in accordance with the present inventions may includeexterior actuators (e.g. buttons, wheels, switches, etc.) capable ofmodifying various operational parameters of the BTE unit such as power,stimulation program selection, sensitivity, and other parameters. Forexample, a portion of the housing (e.g. the processor cover) may beprovided with a rotatable wheel actuator that is physically connected tothe BTE volume control knob or a button that is positioned andconfigured to make physical contact with a button on the BTE unit.

Speech processor cases in accordance with the present inventions mayalso include a display, such as a liquid crystal display, that canfunction as a status indicator and/or a control for the case. Thedisplay may be used to display text and/or graphics and may beaccompanied by actuators or controls that permit a user to controloperations of the case and/or the docked BTE unit. Such actuators orcontrols may also be used to prepare and send a program defining atleast one set of stimulation parameters from the case to the BTE unit.

Speech processor cases in accordance with the present inventions may beprovided with a wireless headpiece port that wirelessly (e.g. viaradiofrequency link) connects the BTE unit to the headpiece.Accordingly, references herein to “headpiece connectors” includewireless connectors as well as connectors that require cable that runsfrom the case to the headpiece and the connections associated therewithincluded wireless and wired connections.

Speech processor cases in accordance with the present inventions may beconfigured to protect the BTE unit stored therein from wind, moisture,dirt, dust, and detrimental physical contact. This may be accomplishedby providing water-tight seals, extra padding, and/or employing hard andsoft polymers as appropriate.

Speech processor cases in accordance with the present inventions mayinclude an external, on-board microphone that picks up ambient soundpressure waves and is used in conjunction with, or instead of, theheadpiece microphone 220. The case microphone may be protected from theelements (e.g., wind and water) by a wind and water resistant cover thatpermits sound to pass there through without substantially changing theshape of the sound waves. Such a cover may include micro-holes or be amesh or net-type cover.

FIG. 25 is a diagram of a case 900, in accordance with at least one ofthe present inventions, that is capable of communicating with a BTE unit100 on the ear 915, housing and/or communicating with a BTE unit 100-1off the ear, and communicating with other cochlear implant systemdevices. The case 900 may include a rechargeable or primary battery 930or other power source, such as that shown in FIG. 26.

The battery 930 provides power for the operations of the case 900. Thebattery 930 may also provide power to charge and simultaneously providepower to operate the speech processor unit 100 through inductive current932 (e.g., 27 MHz) to the BTE unit 100 while on the ear. Additionally oralternatively, the battery 930 may also provide power to charge andsimultaneously provide power to operate the BTE unit 100-1 through aninductive current 934 (e.g., 27 MHz) while the BTE 100-1 is off the earor through direct electrical contacts 936 while the BTE unit 100-1 isdocked within a docking station 940 of the case 900. Alternatively, thebattery 930 may provide power to either BTE unit 100 or 100-1 through adirect wire or cable 950 connection whether or not the BTE units 100 or100-1 are docked with the case 900. The cables 950 are connected to theBTE units 100 and 100-1 by way of batteries 114 a and 114 a′ that may beconnected (either permanently or temporarily) to the cables.

The case 900 may also include a second speech processor 960 (asdistinguished from the first speech processors 102 in the BTE units 100and 100-1). The second speech processor 960 may provide functionality tothe operation of the ICS system 970 used by a patient with impairedhearing. This functionality may replace or augment the functionalityalready provided by either of the speech processors 102. The processor960 may augment either of the speech processors by providing additionalfunctions created to work in conjunction with the existing or newlyprogrammed operations of speech processors 102. The processor 960 mayalso replace the functional operations of either of the speechprocessors 102 by issuing a control token which effectively permits theprocessor 960 to override the internal operations of the processors 102.Further, speech processor 960 is available as a backup processor thatcan provide the functions necessary for a patient to hear when theeither of the first speech processors 102 cease normal functioning.

The case 900 may also include communications electronics 980 capable ofwirelessly or directly (through wire, cable, or direct electricalcontact) communicating with communications electronics contained in theBTE units 100 and/or 100-1. The case 900 may also communicate wirelesslywith the communications electronics contained in an implanted speechprocessor unit 100 a. For example, such communications electronics 980(e.g., an ITEL communications microchip) may permit 10.8 MHz transfer ofinformation 981 to and from either of the speech processor units 100,100 a, and 100-1. The ITEL 10.8 MHz communications link provides thecase 900 with the ability to command or program the speech processors102 and 102 a of the units 100, 100-1 and 100 a to transfer audioinformation, and to effectively act as a master device remote control orprogramming unit of the units 100, 100-1 and 100 a as slave devices.

The case 900 may also establish a wireless communication link 983 ordirect communications link with a headpiece 108. As explained earlier,the headpiece 108 transmits a stimulation sequence having varying pulsewidths and amplitudes to an implanted receiver circuit of the ICSsystem. The implanted receiver circuit is connected to an implantableelectrode array that has been inserted into the cochlea of the innerear. The electrical stimulation current generated by the ICS is appliedto varying electrode combinations to create a perception of sound in apatient with impaired hearing. By establishing a communications link 983between the case 900 and the headpiece 108, the case 900 may transferinformation and power in order to permit the headpiece 108 to operateproperly. Where the case 900 includes a speech processor 960, thecommunications link 983 between the case 900 and the headpiece 108provides the case 900 with the ability to circumvent any similar linkthat may exist between the unit 100 or 100-1 and the headpiece 108.Alternatively, where the case 900 does not include a speech processor960, the communications link 983 may act as an alternate communicationslink to any similar link that may exist between the units 100 and 100-1and the headpiece 108.

In addition, communications electronics 980 may provide the case 900with the ability to establish a communication link 985 with aclinician's programming interface (CPI) unit 990, a clinician's fittingstation 992, and/or other external devices. Such communicationselectronics 980 may facilitate the transfer of information and/or powerto and from the case 900 other external devices. The CPI unit 990,alone, alternate to, or in conjunction with clinician's fitting station992 and/or other external devices (e.g., through another communicationlink 987) may be used to test and reprogram the operational parametersof the speech processor 960. Further, by communicating with the case900, which case 900 in turn communicates with potential slave devicessuch as BTE units 100 and 100-1, the CPI unit 990, clinician's fittingstation 992, and/or other external devices have the ability toindirectly test and/or reprogram the operational parameters of suchslave devices. Alternately or additionally, the case 900 may beeffectively used as a clinician's programming unit to prepare and sendat least one program defining a set of stimulation parameters directlyto a speech processor unit.

Where the case 900 communicates (information or power) with any externaldevices including BTE unit 100, BTE unit 100-1, headpiece 108, CPI unit990, and clinician's fitting station 992 using a wire or cable 976 toconnect the case 900 to each respective device, the wire or cable 976may be a single cable or may be bifurcated (to connect two or moredevices to the case 900 at the same time). The cable 976 may be manuallywrapped and placed within a cable receptacle 972 within the housing ofthe case 900. The cable receptacle 972 may include a spring-loaded reelor equivalent structure 974 capable of winding or retracting the cable976 into the housing of the case 900 when the cable 976 is not in use.

The case 900 may include many other features, elements, and benefits asdescribed in FIG. 26 and throughout this specification.

FIG. 26 is a diagram of a case 1000 in accordance with at least one ofthe present inventions that receives power to an antenna coil 1010 orequivalent structure through an inductive link 1020 from an externalsource 1030. The case 1000 may also include other power sources such asa rechargeable or primary battery as explained above with reference toFIG. 25. The inductive link 1020 provide operational power for thedesired functions of a case of the present invention.

Also exemplified in FIG. 26, a user can control various operations ofthe case 1000 through control actuators 1040 on any surface of the case1000. The actuators 1000 may include buttons, wheels, switches, andother various structures capable of modifying various operationalparameters of the case 1000 including volume, power, stimulation programselection, sensitivity, and other parameters.

Further, a case in accordance with at least some of the presentinventions may include at least one of a variety of status indicators.Status indicators are exemplified in FIG. 26 as an LED light indicator1050, a speaker or acoustic indicator 1060, and a buzzer or motionindicator 1070. Such indicators may be electronically linked to variouselectrical and/or mechanical components of the case 1000 in order toindicate the various statuses of the case 1000 during operation. Forexample, buzzer 1070 may vibrate when the battery (shown in FIG. 25 asbattery 930) is almost fully depleted. The LED light 1050 may light redwhen a BTE unit is not properly docked with the case. And, the speaker1060 may sound various alarms when the coil 1010 is not properly alignedwith the external power source 1030. Any other known operation that isnecessary or desired for the functioning of a case of the presentinvention may “displayed” or communicated to a patient by associatingthe desired function with signal provided by a status indicator of thepresent invention. Any number of any indicator or combination thereofmay be used to provide any pattern, intensity, frequency, and/orduration of visual, audio, and motion signals to a user.

A liquid crystal display (LCD) 1080 may function as both a statusindicator and a control for the case 1000. LCD 1080 may display bothtext and graphics necessary or desired for use during the variousoperations of a case of the present invention. LCD 1080 may beaccompanied by actuators or controls 1085 that permit a user to inputinformation into the case 1000 and thus view and control its operations.Additionally or alternatively, actuators or controls 1085 or any otheractuators or input device (e.g., a keyboard) may be used to prepare andsend a program defining at least one set of stimulation parameters fromthe case 1000 to any speech processor.

Case 900 of FIG. 25 and case 1000 of FIG. 26 may provide access tocontrols on a docked first BTE unit and/or include actuators on the case900 and/or 1000 that correspond with controls of the first BTE unit.Such access and/or controls are described in more detail with referenceto FIGS. 27 and 28.

FIG. 27 is a side view of a BTE unit 100 detached from a BTE batterypack and docked within a case 1100 in accordance with at least one ofthe present inventions. The BTE unit 100 easily fits into the case 1100and established a mechanical connection with the case 1100 and anelectrical connection with the components of the case 1100 by way of aslide-in BTE interface 1140. The BTE unit 100 receives operational powerfrom a power source such as two AA batteries 1120 loaded into the case1100. Alternately, an inductive or rechargeable power source could beused with case 1100. Case 1100 connects the headpiece cable port 106(FIG. 1) of the BTE unit 100 to a radio frequency (RF) port 1130 on thecase 1100. A transmitter or other communications technology of the RFport 1130 is capable of communicating with a headpiece via RFcommunications rather than through a cable or wired connection.Alternatively, the case 1100 may provide physical access to theheadpiece cable port 106 (FIG. 1) of the BTE unit 100 so that a user maymanually connect a cable to the a headpiece and the BTE unit 100.

The case 1100 also permits a user to access to the control panel 112,which may include a program selector switch 113 and a volume controlwheel 115. The case 1100 also permits access to the auxiliary deviceconnector connector 122 (or “port”) of the BTE unit 100. The case 1100may also include at least one control cover 1170 which may be openedwhen a patient desires to access any of the switch 113, wheel 115, port122, and/or other controls and features. The at least one control cover1170 may be closed to protect and prevent unwanted access to suchcontrols and features. Alternatively or additionally, the at least onecontrol cover 1170 may protect the unit 100 from wind, moisture, andother elements. Alternately or additionally, the case 1100 may includeactuators that provide indirect access and control over such controlsand features as further described below with reference to FIG. 28.

FIG. 28 is a side view of a BTE unit 100 docked within a case 1200 inaccordance with at least one of the present inventions. The case 1200may include a clip or safety pin 1220, a lanyard ring 1230, a belt loop,or other similar means of attaching the case 1200 to the clothing orbody of a patient.

Case 1200 may include additional structure and materials 1240 capable ofprotecting the BTE unit 100 and its components from water, wind, orother detrimental physical contact. Such structure and materials 1240may provide a water proof or at least water resistant environment forthe proper operation of the BTE unit 100. Such structure and materials1240 may also permit a user to participate in sports involving physicalcontact and other activity likely to jolt the BTE unit 100 withoutdamaging the BTE unit 100. Structure and materials, such as extrapadding, hard polymers, and soft polymers will be understood andappropriately applied by those of ordinary skill in the art to thepresent invention.

Case 1200 may also include actuators 1250 that permit a user to actuatecontrols or features of the BTE unit 100 or similar speech processorunit while such controls or features from the outside environment. Forexample, a volume control wheel on the BTE unit 100 would correspondwith a wheel actuator 1260 on the case 1200. The wheel actuator 1260would, when turned by the patient, turn the underlying wheel on the BTEunit 100. Similarly, a button actuator 1270 on the case 1200 wouldcorrespond and actuate with an underlying button on the surface of theBTE unit 100. Alternatively or additionally, the button actuator 1270 orother actuator of the case 1200 may be linked to electronics within thecase 1200 which are electrically connected to the electronics of the BTEunit 100. Thus, when a patient pressed the button actuator 1270, theunderlying button on the BTE unit 100 would be pressed and/or anelectrical signal would travel from the case 1200 to the BTE unit 100,and a corresponding control response on the BTE unit 100 would beinitiated. Such actuators may be an enlarged version of their respectiveBTE unit 100 counterparts, thus providing easy access and control forusers with challenged dexterity. The actuators 1250 may include buttons,wheels, switches, and other various structures capable of modifyingvarious operational parameters of the case 1200 including volume, power,stimulation program selection, sensitivity, and other parameters.

Case 1200 may also include a microphone 1280 that provides a source ofaudio input independent of the auxiliary input 122 of the BTE unit 100or any other cable or wireless microphone input described above. Theopen microphone 1280 may be protected from the elements, i.e., wind andwater, by a cover 1285 that may be wind and water resistant, yet providesound to permeate the cover 1285 without substantially changing theshape of the sound waves. Such cover 1285 may include micro-holes or maybe a mesh or net for example.

FIG. 29 is a side view of a BTE speech processor unit 1310 docked withina substantially square case 1300 in accordance with at least one of thepresent inventions. Case 1300 provides access 1320 to various controlsand features (e.g., the control panel 112 and headpiece port 106) andaccess 1330 to the auxiliary input port 122 of the BTE unit 100. Case1300 also includes a power source 1350 and a belt loop or clip 1360 thatpermits the case 1300 to be secured to a patient's body with a belt,strap, or similar structure. Case 1300 is essentially a simplifiedembodiment of the present invention which permits the use of theexisting controls on the BTE unit 100 with other limited (rather thanfull or extensive) built-in features described throughout thisdisclosure.

Turning to FIG. 30, another speech processor case in accordance with atleast some of the present inventions, which is generally represented byreference numeral 1400, includes a main portion 1402 in which a BTE unit100 b is stored, a power portion 1404 and a control portion 1406. TheBTE unit 100 b may be essentially identical to the BTE unit 100described above, but for the headpiece port arrangement described belowwith reference to FIGS. 40-41, and similar elements are identified bysimilar reference numerals. The main portion 1402, power portion 1404and control portion 1406 in the illustrated implementation are separatestructural elements that may be physically and electrically connected(or “docked”), disconnected from one another, and re-connected. In otherimplementations, any two or all three of the these elements may formpart of a single, integral unit as, is also discussed below.

As illustrated for example in FIGS. 30-33, the main portion 1402includes a housing 1408 with an internal BTE storage region 1410. Aheadpiece connector 1412 (e.g., an RF connector) and a power/dataconnector 1414, which are located within the BTE storage region 1410,electrically connect the BTE headpiece connector 106 b and the BTEpower/data connector 116 b to the speech processor case 1400 in themanner described below with reference to FIGS. 40-46. The headpiececonnector 1412 is, in turn, connected to a headpiece port 1416 (e.g., anRF port) on the exterior of the housing 1408. As a result, a headpiece(e.g., headpiece 108 in FIG. 1) may be connected to a BTE unit (e.g.,BTE unit 100 a) by way of the case 1400 and, more specifically, by wayof the headpiece connector 1412 and port 1416.

The exemplary power portion 1404, which includes a housing 1418 and apower supply 1420, may be used to provide power for the main portion1402, a BTE unit within the main portion, and the control portion 1406.A wide variety of power supplies may be employed. For example, the powersupply 1420 may be one or more replaceable and/or rechargeablebatteries. In other implementations, the power portion may be configuredto receive and electrically connect to the removable BTE power supply(e.g., power supply 114 b in FIG. 41). An electrical connector 1422(e.g., a pair of contacts) is provided on the exterior of the powerportion housing 1418 and a corresponding connector 1424 is provided onthe main portion housing 1408.

The control portion 1406 may be used to control various aspects of themain portion 1402 and/or a BTE unit within the main portion. In theillustrated embodiment, the control portion 1406 includes a housing1426, a control panel 1428, and an auxiliary device port 1430. Thecontrol panel 1428 may, as illustrated in FIG. 31, include a volume knob1432 and a program selector switch 1434. An electrical connector 1436(e.g., a plurality of electrical contacts) is provided on the exteriorof the control portion housing 1426 and a corresponding connector 1438is provide on the main portion housing 1408.

The exemplary speech processor case 1400 may also be provided with awireless transceiver (not shown) such as, for example, an FM transceiverthat allows wirelessly transmitted signals to be received by, andtransmitted from, the BTE unit 100 a, as is described above in thecontext of other embodiments. A wireless transceiver may be located inone or more of the main portion 1402, power portion 1404 and controlportion 1406.

The exemplary speech processor case 1400 may also be provided with oneor more audible, visible and/or otherwise perceptible indicator devices(not shown), such as a speaker or buzzer, an LED or other light sourceand/or a vibrator. The indicator device(s) may be used to provide andaudible, visible and/or otherwise perceptible indication as to thestatus of components of the BTE unit 100 a and/or the case 1400, as isdescribed above in the context of other embodiments. Such indicators maybe located in one or more of the main portion 1402, power portion 1404and control portion 1406.

A belt loop or clip (not shown), or other suitable mounting device (e.g.a lanyard ring or safety pin), may be secured to the exterior of themain portion 1402 and used to secure the case to the clothing or body ofthe user.

Referring more specifically to FIGS. 31-33, the exemplary main portionhousing 1408 includes a front wall 1440 a, a rear wall 1440 b, sidewalls 1440 c and 1440 d, an opening 1440 e in the front wall 1440 a andside wall 1440 d, a top wall 1440 f, and a bottom wall 1440 g. A cover1442, which permits access to the BTE storage region 1410 (FIGS. 30 and39) when open and maintains a moisture-proof seal when closed, may alsobe provided. The exemplary cover 1442 has an overall L-shape, ispivotable about a hinge 1444 on the side wall 1440 d, and may include ahandle 1446. A latching mechanism (not shown) may also be provided tomaintain the cover 1442 in the closed position until the user intends toopen the case.

Turning to the manner in which the power portion 1404 is mechanicallyand electrically connected to the main portion 1402 in the exemplaryimplementation, and referring to FIGS. 34 and 35, the power portionhousing 1418 includes a top wall 1448 with a plurality of mechanicalconnectors 1450 (e.g., portions of latch mechanisms). Correspondingconnectors 1452 are provided on the bottom wall 1440 g of the mainportion housing 1408. The electrical connector 1422 on the power portion1404 consists of a pair of electrical contacts 1454 on the top wall1448, while the electrical connector 1424 on the main portion 1402consists of a corresponding pair of electrical contacts 1456 on thebottom wall 1440 g. A release button 1458 (FIG. 33), which facilitatesdisconnecting of the power portion 1404 from the main portion 1402(e.g., latch release), may be provided on the power portion or the mainportion. The power portion 1404 may be detached to, for example,recharge or replace the power supply 1420.

As illustrated in FIGS. 36 and 37, the control portion housing 1426 inthe exemplary embodiment includes a bottom wall 1458 with a plurality ofmechanical connectors 1460 (e.g., portions of latch mechanisms).Corresponding connectors 1462 are provided on the top wall 1440 f of themain portion housing 1426. The electrical connector 1436 on the controlportion 1406 consists of a plurality of electrical contacts 1464, whilethe electrical connector 1424 on the main portion 1402 consists of acorresponding plurality of electrical contacts 1466. The electricalcontacts 1464 and 1466 may be in the form of pins, pads or any othersuitable device. An alignment locater feature, such as a post 1468 andan opening 1470 that receives the post and keys orientation, is alsoprovided.

The control portion 1406 may be a removable aspect of the case 1400because it includes various elements that are only required from time totime (e.g., the volume knob 1432) or are merely useful options (e.g.,the auxiliary device port 1430). A release button 1459 (FIG. 33), whichfacilitates disconnecting of the control portion 1404 from the mainportion 1402 (e.g., latch release), may be provided on the controlportion or the main portion. Additionally, and referring to FIG. 38, thecase 1400 may also include a cover 1472, with the same mechanicalconnectors (not shown) as the control portion housing 1426, that may beused to protect the electrical connector 1438 when the control portion1406 is not in use. Other instrumentalities for protecting theelectrical connector 1438 are described below.

In the illustrated embodiment, the case main portion 1402 supplies powerto the control portion 1406 by way of at least some of the contacts 1464and 1466 on the electrical connectors 1424 and 1436 (FIGS. 36-37). Tothat end, and referring again to FIG. 30, the case main portion 1402also includes an interface controller 1474 that selectively suppliespower (e.g., DC power) to one or more of the contacts 1466. Inparticular, the interface controller 1474 may be configured to supplypower to one or more of the contacts 1466 in response to the controlportion 1406 being docked to the main portion 1402, and to not supplypower to the contacts 1466 when there is not a control portion docked tothe main portion. One such contact is contact 1466 a, which is the powersupply contact that powers the control portion 1406. Other contacts 1466a may also be selectively connected to, and disconnected from, a voltagebias or other power source in response to docking. The power/dataconnector 1414 in the BTE storage region 1410 may be connected to theappropriate contacts 1466 by way of the interface controller 1474 and aflex cable 1476.

The exemplary case main portion 1402 may be provided with a sensor thatsenses when the control portion 1406 is docked to the main portion. Thesensor supplies a signal to the interface controller 1474 (FIG. 30)which indicative of the presence (or absence) of the control portion1406 and the interface controller supplies power to the appropriateelectrical contacts 1466 in response to the signal being indicative ofthe presence of the control portion 1406. There are a number ofadvantages associated with only supplying power to the electricalcontacts 1466 when the control portion 1406 is docked to the mainportion 1402. For example, supplying power to the contacts 1466increases the likelihood that they will corrode in the presence ofsalts, water and some chemicals such as (collectively “corrosivesubstances”) because the power supplies electromotive force that drivescorrosion. In view of the fact that (1) there is no reason to supplypower to the electrical contacts 1466 when the main portion 1402 is notconnected to the control portion 1406 and (2) the electrical contacts1466 are more likely to be exposed to corrosive substances when thecontrol portion has been removed (e.g., for exercise), selectivelysupplying power to the contacts in the manner described above reducesthe likelihood of corrosion without degrading the functionality of thecase 1400.

A wide variety of sensors may be employed. Referring to FIGS. 30, 36 and37, in the illustrated implementation, the main portion 1402 includes amagnetic sensor 1478, such as a switch that changes state (i.e., opensor closes) when a magnet is in close proximity thereto or a device thatprovides digital or analog output based on the proximity of a magnetthereto, and the control portion 1406 includes a magnet 1480. Themagnetic sensor 1478 and magnet 1480 may be positioned such that themagnetic field of the magnet at the magnetic sensor will only be strongenough to change the state of the sensor (or otherwise be sensed) whenthe control portion 1406 is secured to the main portion 1402 by way ofthe mechanical connectors 1460 and 1462. Additionally, the magneticsensor 1478 and magnet 1480 may be located inwardly of the outer surfaceof the housings 1408 and 1426, as shown, or the magnetic sensor and/ormagnet may be carried on the outer surface of the associated housing.Suitable magnetic sensors include, but are not limited to,magnetoresistive sensors, Hall effect sensors, and reed switches. By wayof example, but not limitation, suitable magnetoresistive switchesinclude those in the AS series of anisotropic-magneto-resistance (AMR)sensors from Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd. (e.g., the AS-M15SA-R).Other suitable magnetic sensors include giant magnetoresistive (GMR)sensors from NVE Corporation. In other implementations, mechanicalswitches may be employed in place of the maget and sensor. Additionaldetails concerning the above-described interface controller and sensorarrangement may be found in U.S. Pat. Pub. No. 2011/0103627, which isincorporated herein by reference.

Turning to FIG. 39, and as noted above, the BTE storage region 1410 ofthe exemplary case 1400 includes the headpiece connector 1412 andpower/data connector 1414. The headpiece connector 1412 and power/dataconnector 1414 are configured such that they will both mate with thecorresponding connectors on the BTE unit, e.g., the headpiece port 106 band the power/data connector 116 b on the BTE unit 100 a (discussedbelow), when the BTE unit is docked within the case 1400. The headpiececonnector 1412 and headpiece port 1416 are each part of a unitarystructure (discussed below with reference to FIG. 40) that is mountedwithin an aperture 1482 in the housing side wall 1440 c. The power/dataconnector 1414 is a slide-in connector that is mounted on the bottomwall 1440 g. The BTE storage region 1410 also includes an abutment 1484,such as a plastic insert, that contacts the BTE unit as the BTE unitcompletes the docking process. The abutment 1484 includes a surface 1486with a curved shape that corresponds to the shape of the BTE unit, anindentation 1488 for the BTE unit control panel, and an opening 1490that allows the BTE unit headpiece connector to engage the caseheadpiece connector 1414.

In the illustrated implementation, friction between the BTE unitconnector and the case connectors maintain the BTE in the dockedposition. A second abutment 1492 may be provided on the cover 1442. Thesecond abutment 1492 engages the opposite side of the BTE unit when thecover 1442 is closed to prevent movement of the BTE unit from the docketposition due to, for example, vibration. Alternatively or in addition, alatch mechanism (not shown) may be provided to maintain the dockedposition of the BTU unit.

As can also be seen in FIG. 39, the housing front wall 1440 a mayinclude an indentation 1494 so that the cover 1442 will be flush withthe front wall when the cover is closed (FIGS. 31-32). The indentation1494 may include seals (not shown) to prevent moisture ingress.

As illustrated in FIG. 40, an although the present inventions are notlimited to such a connector, the exemplary headpiece connector 1412 andheadpiece port 1416 may be combined into a unitary (and typicallywaterproof) connector 1495 that includes a female plug 1496 and a maleplug 1498 which allows the connector to serve as an intermediary betweenmale and female connectors (e.g., a headpiece connector and a BTEheadpiece port) that would otherwise be connected to one another. Thefemale plug 1496 performs the function of the headpiece port 1416, andthe male plug 1498 performs the function of the headpiece connector1412. The female plug 1496 is configured to receive the male plug 217 ona headpiece cable 219 (FIG. 46) in the essentially same manner as a BTEheadpiece port (e.g., BTE headpiece port 106 a) and the male plug 1498is configured to be received by a BTE headpiece port in essentially thesame manner as the male plug one a headpiece cable. The female plug 1496and male plug 1498 may share certain structural elements, as isdiscussed below in the context of the exemplary embodiment, or may beentirely separate structures that are electrically connected to oneother. Additionally, although the exemplary structures are generallycylindrical in overall shape, other shapes (e.g., rectangular) may beemployed.

With respect to the structures that are common to the female plug 1496and male plug 1498, the exemplary unitary connector 1495 includes acommon conductor 1500 and a common insulator 1502. The common unsulatorincludes a lumen 1503 through which the common conductor passes. Thecommon conductor 1500 may be formed from suitable electricallyconductive materials such as, for example, beryllium copper or brass.Suitable electrically insulating materials for the common insulator 1502include, but are not limited to, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) andpolyoxymethylene (POM).

The exemplary female plug 1496 includes a socket 1504, which is part ofthe common conductor 1500, a barrel 1506, and an insulator 1508, whichis part of the common insulator 1502, located between the socket and thebarrel. The barrel 1506 has a main portion 1510, with an inner surface1512 that defines an open region 1514, an integral flange 1516, and arecess 1518. The barrel 1506 may be formed from suitable electricallyconductive materials such as, for example, beryllium copper or brass.The insulator 1508 has a main portion 1520 that covers the socket 1504and a flange 1522 that is located in the barrel recess 1518.

The exemplary male plug 1498 includes a center conductor 1524, which ispart of the common conductor 1500, an outer conductor 1526, and aninsulator 1528, which is part of the common insulator 1502, locatedbetween the center conductor and the outer conductor. The outerconductor 1526 has an annular barrel 1530 with gaps 1532 and protrusions1534, and a flange 1536. The gaps 1532 allow the barrel 1530 to flexinwardly when the plug 1498 is inserted into the correspondingconnector, and the protrusions engage the inner surface of thecorresponding connector. The flange 1536 abuts, and is electricallyconnected to, the flange 1516 of the female plug barrel 1506. Suitablematerials for the outer conductor 1526 include, but are not limited to,beryllium copper and brass. The exemplary insulator 1528 has arelatively large diameter portion 1538 with an outer surface that abutsthe inner surface of the outer conductor barrel 1530 and a relativelysmall diameter portion 1540 that is separated from the inner surface ofthe outer conductor barrel by a small gap 1542. An open region 1544 isformed in the relatively small diameter portion 1540. The gap 1542allows barrel 1530 of the outer conductor 1526 to flex inwardly, and theopen region 1544 accommodates the socket of the corresponding connector.

With respect to waterproofing, the exemplary unitary connector 1495 isprovided with a seal 1546 that is compressed between the barrel flange1516, the insulator flange 1522 and the outer conductor flange 1536, aswell as a seal 1548 that is compressed between the common conductor 1500and the common insulator 1502. The seals 1546 and 1548 prevent moisturefrom passing through the connector, and may be carried in indentations1550 and 1552. With respect to preventing moisture from passing betweenthe main portion housing 1408 and the unitary connector 1495, a seal1554 is compressed within the aperture 1482 between the housing wall1440 c and the female plug barrel 1506. Suitable materials for theinternal seals 1546, 1548, and 1554 include, but are not limited to,elastomeric materials such as silicone rubber, Neoprene syntheticrubber, urethane, and soft polyvinyl chloride (PVC). In at least someimplementations, the seals will have a sealing effectiveness of at leastIEC IPX7.

As alluded to above, the exemplary BTE unit 100 b may be docked withinthe case 1400 when the power supply 114 b is removed. This aspect of theoperation is discussed below with reference to FIGS. 44-46. Referringfirst to FIG. 41, the exemplary headpiece port 106 b on the BTE unit 100b and the exemplary headpiece connector 1412 (e.g., the male plug 1498in FIG. 40) within the case 1400 both extend horizontally, i.e. parallelto the direction of sliding movement during the docking process. Theinterior of the headpiece port 106 b is configured in a mannersubstantially similar to the female plug 1496 (FIG. 40) and,accordingly, will mate with the headpiece connector 1412 (e.g., the maleplug 1498) or a similarly configured plug on the end of a headpiececable. The exemplary power/data connector 116 b is associated with thebottom surface of the BTE unit 100 a and includes a U-shaped recess 1556and a rectangular projection 1558. As illustrated in FIG. 42, theprojection 1558 has a rectangular contact support 1560, with a pluralityof electrical contacts 1562, and an abutment 1564. At least two of theelectrical contacts 1562 are power contacts and the remainder are datacontacts. The exemplary power/data connector 1414 has a correspondingconfiguration. Turning to FIG. 43, the exemplary power/data connector1414 includes a top surface 1566, with a rectangular contact supportregion 1568 and a plurality of electrical contacts 1570 in the supportregion, and a U-shaped projection 1572. The U-shaped projection 1572defines a rectangular recess 1574 that is sized and shape to receive theprojection 1558. The electrical contacts 1562 will be aligned with theelectrical contacts 1570, such that there will be electricalconnections, when the projection 1558 is located within the recess andthe 1574 and the abutment 1564 engages the free ends of the U-shapedprojection 1572. The electrical contacts 1562 and 1570 may be in theform of pins, pads or any other suitable device.

The docking of the BTE unit 100 b within the case 1400 is illustrated inFIGS. 44-46. While the cover 1442 is open, the BTE unit 100 b is placedwithin the storage region 1410 such that the BTE headpiece port 106 band the BTE power/data connector 116 b are aligned with the caseheadpiece connector 1412 and the case power/data connector 1414 (FIG.44). The BTE unit 100 a may then be moved in the horizontal direction,which is identified by the arrow H, unit the BTE headpiece port 106 bmates with case headpiece connector 1412 and the BTE power/dataconnector 116 b mates with the case power/data connector 1414 (FIG. 45).The BTE unit 100 b is docked within and to the case 1400. The BTE unit100 b is also positioned against the abutment 1484. The cover 1442 maythen be closed which, in addition to sealing the storage region 1410,brings the second abutment 1492 into contact with the BTE unit 100 b(FIG. 46).

After the connections are made, the BTE unit 100 a and case 1400 willtogether define a body worn speech processor unit that may, for example,be mounted on an infant harness or the clothing of an adult. A headpiece216 may then be connected to the case 1400 and, therefore, the BTE unit100 b, by the plug 217 on the headpiece cable so that the body worn unitcan be used in conventional fashion. The BTE unit 100 b will be poweredby the power supply 1420 (FIG. 30) in the power portion 1404, and mayalso be controlled by way of the control panel 1428 on the controlportion 1406.

The exemplary case 1400 may be modified in a variety of ways. By way ofexample, but not limitation, the power portion 1404 and the controlportion 1406 may be combined into a single, integral unit. The mainportion 1402 and the power portion 1404 may be combined into a single,integral unit. The main portion 1402 and the control portion 1406 may becombined into a single, integral unit. The main portion 1402, the powerportion 1404 and the control portion 1406 may be combined into a single,integral unit. It should also be noted here that, whether integral orseparable, the housings of the main, power and control portions togetherdefined the overall case housing

With respect to the BTE unit 100 b, the BTE unit may be configured suchthat some or all of the controls on the control panel 112 are disabledwhen the BTE unit is docked in the case 1400. The BTE unit may also beconfigured such that it lacks an external control panel such as controlpanel 112. Here, the BTE unit settings may be set by way of the controlpanel 1428 or a separate programmer.

In other implementations, the headpiece cable may be an integral (i.e.permanent and not removable in the course of normal use) part of thecase. Referring to FIG. 47, the exemplary case 1400 a is essentiallyidentical to case 1400 and similar elements are represented by similarreference numerals. Here, however, the headpiece port 1416 has beenomitted and replaced by a headpiece cable 1574 that extends through themain portion housing 1408. One end of the headpiece cable 1574 isconnected to the headpiece connector 1412 (directly as shown orindirectly) and the other end includes a connector 1576 that may beconnected to a headpiece (e.g., headpiece 216). An adhesive 1578, suchas epoxy, may be used to hold the headpiece cable 1574 in place andcreate a waterproof seal.

Although the inventions disclosed herein have been described in terms ofthe preferred embodiments above, numerous modifications and/or additionsto the above-described preferred embodiments would be readily apparentto one skilled in the art. By way of example, but not limitation, theinventions include any combination of the elements from the variousspecies and embodiments disclosed in the specification that are notalready described. It is intended that the scope of the presentinventions extend to all such modifications and/or additions and thatthe scope of the present inventions is limited solely by the claims setforth below. The inventions also include speech processor systemsconsisting of a speech processor unit, such as for example a BTE unit,and any of the speech processor cases described above and/or claimedbelow.

We claim:
 1. A case for use with a speech processor (SP) unit and aheadpiece cable connector, the SP unit including a SP housing, soundprocessor circuitry within the SP housing and a headpiece portassociated with the exterior of the SP housing and configured to matewith the headpiece cable connector, the case comprising: a case mainportion including a housing with an interior SP storage area configuredto enclose the SP unit and an exterior; an internal housing headpiececonnector located within the interior SP storage area and configured tobe connected to the SP unit headpiece port; and an external housingheadpiece connector operably connected to the internal housing headpiececonnector, configured to be connected to the headpiece cable connector,and accessible from the exterior of the case main portion.
 2. A case asclaimed in claim 1, wherein the internal and external connectorscomprise an internal plug and an external port.
 3. A case as claimed inclaim 1, wherein the internal and external connectors share at least onecommon component.
 4. A case as claimed in claim 1, wherein the SP unitincludes a power connector associated with the exterior of the SPhousing, the case further comprising: a power supply; and an internalpower connector operably connected to the power supply, located withinthe interior SP storage area, and configured to be connected to the SPunit power connector.
 5. A case as claimed in claim 4, wherein the powersupply is located within a case power portion that is configured to beattached to, and detached from, the case main portion.
 6. A case asclaimed in claim 4, the internal power connector is a slide-inconnector.
 7. A case as claimed in claim 1, wherein the SP unit includesa data connector associated with the exterior of the SP housing, thecase further comprising: an external control panel; and an internal dataconnector operably connected to the external control panel, locatedwithin the interior SP storage area, and configured to be connected tothe SP unit data connector.
 8. A case as claimed in claim 7, wherein theexternal control panel is located on a case control portion that isconfigured to be attached to, and detached from, the case main portion.9. A case as claimed in claim 1, wherein the SP unit includes apower/data connector associated with the exterior of the SP housing, thecase further comprising: a power supply; an external control panel; andan internal power/data connector operably connected to the power supplyand the external control panel, located within the interior SP storagearea, and configured to be connected to the SP unit power/dataconnector.
 10. A case as claimed in claim 9, wherein the internalhousing headpiece connector and the internal power/data connector arepositioned such that the SP unit headpiece port and the power/dataconnector will simultaneously mate with the internal housing headpiececonnector and the internal power/data connector when the SP unit ismoved in a predetermined direction within the interior SP storage area.11. A case as claimed in claim 10, further comprising: an auxiliarydevice connector operably connected to internal power/data connector.12. A case for use with a speech processor (SP) unit, the SP unitincluding a SP housing, sound processor circuitry within the SP housing,a headpiece port and a power connector associated with the exterior ofthe SP housing, the case comprising: a case main portion including ahousing with an interior SP storage area configured to enclose the SPunit and an exterior; a power supply; and an internal power connectoroperably connected to the power supply, located within the interior SPstorage area, and configured to be connected to the SP unit powerconnector.
 13. A case as claimed in claim 12, wherein the power supplyis located within a case power portion that is configured to be attachedto, and detached from, the case main portion.
 14. A case as claimed inclaim 12, further comprising: an internal housing headpiece connectorlocated within the interior SP storage area and configured to beconnected to the SP unit headpiece port.
 15. A case as claimed in claim14, further comprising: an external housing headpiece connector operablyconnected to the internal housing headpiece connector, configured to beconnected to a headpiece cable connector, and accessible from theexterior of the case main portion.
 16. A case as claimed in claim 14,further comprising: a headpiece cable extending through the case housingand connected to the internal housing headpiece connector.
 17. A case asclaimed in claim 16, wherein the headpiece cable is permanently securedto the case housing.
 18. A case as claimed in claim 12, wherein the SPunit power connector comprises a power/data connector; the internalpower connector comprises an internal power/data connector configured tobe connected to the SP unit power/data connector; and the case furthercomprises an external control panel operably connected to the internalpower/data connector.
 19. A system, comprising: a behind-the-ear speechprocessor (BTE) unit including a BTE unit housing, sound processorcircuitry within the BTE unit housing, a headpiece port and a power/dataconnector associated with the exterior of the BTE unit housing; and aBTE storage case including a BTE storage case housing defining aninterior and an exterior, a BTE storage area, within the BTE storagecase housing interior, configured to enclose the BTE unit, a BTE storagecase power supply within the BTE storage case housing, an externalcontrol panel on the BTE storage case housing exterior, and means,located within the BTE storage area, for electrically connecting the BTEstorage case power supply and the external control panel to the BTE unitpower/data connector.
 20. A system as claimed in claim 19, furthercomprising: an internal case headpiece connector located within the BTEstorage area and configured to be connected to the BTE unit headpieceport.
 21. A system as claimed in claim 20, further comprising: anexternal case headpiece connector operably connected to the internalcase headpiece connector, configured to be connected to a headpiececable connector, and accessible from the exterior of the BTE storagecase.
 22. A system as claimed in claim 20, further comprising: aheadpiece cable extending through the BTE storage case and connected tothe internal case headpiece connector.